Module 08: Training & Development

Description: This module covers the systematic approach to developing employee knowledge, skills, and abilities. Students will learn about training needs analysis, learning principles, training design and delivery methods, and training evaluation. The module addresses both traditional classroom training and newer approaches like e-learning, microlearning, and just-in-time training.

Why this Module is Important: Training and development are essential for professional growth in counseling and mental health fields, where continuing education and skill development are both ethical requirements and practical necessities. This module teaches you how to design effective learning experiences – whether you’re training new counselors, developing psychoeducational programs for clients, or creating your own professional development plans.

Future counselors will frequently be involved in training others – supervising interns, facilitating psychoeducational groups, training support staff, or presenting workshops. Understanding learning principles helps you create more effective training experiences that actually change behavior rather than just providing information. This knowledge makes you more valuable to employers and more effective in educational roles.

Additionally, many clients need help developing new life skills, coping strategies, or workplace competencies. Understanding how people learn and transfer skills to real-world situations makes you a more effective therapist who can design better interventions and homework assignments. Whether you’re helping a client develop better communication skills or teaching stress management techniques, training principles enhance your therapeutic effectiveness.

Module Learning Objectives: By the end of this module students will be able to…

• MLO1: Outline training transfer principles, consequences of sexual harassment, and diversity training components as key elements of organizational development. (ULO3, CLO1, APA1)
• MLO2: Evaluate methods for improving training transfer to job performance and develop strategies for encouraging employee engagement in diversity training programs. (ULO3, CLO1, CLO2, APA1, APA2)
• MLO3: Apply training transfer principles to workplace absenteeism interventions and communicate training strategies through professional discussion. (ULO3, CLO3, CLO4, APA4, APA5)